Kay Kay Menon has been one of the finest B’wood stars, known for his raw, intense and versatile performances. Soon to be seen donning a detective character in Shekhar Home, the lead actor speaks to The Pioneer as he discusses bringing unique Indian flavours to his character, his experience filming in historically rich locations and more
Aarti Sreenath
Shekhar Home, a highly anticipated series based on the classic detective Sherlock Holmes, is scheduled to debut soon, enchanting viewers with its unique mix of Indian essence and thrilling narrative.
Starring the versatile actor Kay Kay Menon in the titular role, the show promises to offer a fresh take on the detective genre. Menon, known for his nuanced performances and ability to bring complex characters to life, takes on the challenge of portraying Shekhar, an eccentric and unpredictable investigator.
Set in 1990s Bengal, the series explores the mysteries and supernatural elements that surround the sleepy town of Lonpur, all while staying true to its Indian roots. As fans eagerly await its release, Shekhar Home is poised to become a must-watch in the world of Indian entertainment.
During a candid conversation, Kay Kay Menon discussed his thoughts on portraying the lead role in the upcoming series, his approach to the character and how he infused an Indian essence into the portrayal, while also reflecting on the challenges and nuances of adapting a story set in 1990s Bengal.
When asked how he approached the role by bringing a unique Indian flavour while staying true to the essence of Sherlock Holmes, the Life in a Metro star remarked, “Being Indian naturally helped. The scriptwriters, who are also Indian, have experienced life here, which made the transition smoother. For me, it was more about understanding Shekhar’s character and finding that person within myself.”
The ABCD actor’s portrayal of Shekhar Home promises to be a captivating blend of Indian sensibilities and the classic detective genre, making it a series to watch out for. “Shekhar, as I discovered, is quite eccentric, a maverick with a unique sense of humour that he doesn’t even realise he has. People find him funny, but he’s also unpredictable. These elements combined were my contributions as an actor to shaping Shekhar from the script and adding an Indian touch.”
The series, as we are all well aware of, is set in the 1990s in Bengal, a period without modern conveniences like Zoom meetings and smartphones. Haider fame, explained how this influenced his portrayal, saying, “Back then, the time period had its own pace and rhythm. The fictional town of Lonpur, where the story unfolds, is depicted as a sleepy place. I derived Shekhar’s persona from this easy-going setting with a unique rhythm. The production team faced quite a challenge finding locations that matched this vibe. We shot on the outskirts of Bolpur, near Shantiniketan and Haldia, among other places. Visiting these locations was fascinating for us as actors.”
Reflecting on the experience of filming in historically rich locations, he shared, “There’s an old-world charm in these places that you can feel in the air. It’s like time has stopped. Even with modern vehicles around, the essence of the place remains intact. It’s a subjective experience; some feel it, some don’t. For me, it was palpable.”
Discussing his on-screen chemistry with co-star Ranvir Shorey, who plays Jayvrat Sahni, The Special Ops fame noted, “Ranvir and I hit it off instantly. We have what I like to call a ‘jugalbandi.’ He’s a brilliant actor, and we improvised a lot on set. There were moments when the directors would say, ‘How much more will you improvise?’ It was great fun.”
When asked if he believes in the supernatural events happening, he responded thoughtfully, “I don’t disaffirm anything I don’t know. Just because I haven’t experienced it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. In acting, you often get carried away; you immerse yourself fully into the character. Sometimes, things happen beyond human design. That’s the magic of acting—it goes beyond intellectual design. That’s why I never take ownership of my performances; there’s always an element of something beyond.”
The Mumbai Meri Jaan actor also emphasised that he didn’t delve into Sherlock Holmes stories or other detective literature to prepare for the role. “I’m playing Shekhar, not Sherlock. I’m more interested in the human being I’m portraying. Each character, whether a cop or a detective, is unique. For me, the person I’m playing is more important than the role itself.”
Finally, when asked about the wordplay in the show’s title, Shekhar Home, The Black Friday star admitted, ‘I was as intrigued as you are. Once I read the script, everything made sense. The surname ‘Home’ is actually quite common—just Google it!”
Kay Kay Menon’s portrayal of Shekhar Home promises to be a captivating blend of Indian sensibilities and the classic detective genre, making it a series to watch out for.
